In recent years, the issue of climate change has rapidly advanced to the top of national and international scientific agendas. As this issue has gained in importance, a number of scientists and policymakers have commented on advantages and disadvantages that might accrue to nations and regions if the climate changes in coming decades. These comments have varied from the extreme - that everyone will win or that everyone will lose - to suggestions that certain nations, sub-national regions, or economic sectors may derive relative advantages or disadvantages